Visiting Circa Theatre

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find Circa Theatre?

Circa Theatre is located on the Wellington Waterfront right next to Te Papa. The Theatre is on the corner of Taranaki and Cable Streets. Our physical address is 1 Taranaki Street, however the main entrance to the building is on the East side of the building, facing Te Papa.

Where do I park?

As Circa does not have its own carpark, we recommend the Te Papa carpark. It’s safe, convenient and good value. The Te Papa carpark also has a covered parking option for those wet days. Access to the carpark is off Cable Street, just a hop, skip and a jump from the theatre door.

Which bus can I catch?

The closest public transport stops to Circa are located on Courtenay Place; in front of Reading Courtenay Central if coming from the West, and in front of the St James Theatre if coming from the East.

Please visit the Metlink website for more information about Wellington’s public transport system, including schedules and fares.

To get to Circa from either bus stop, walk to the intersection of Courtenay Place and Taranaki Street (head to your left if disembarking in front of Courtenay Central, and to your right if disembarking in front of the St. James). Once at the intersection, turn right, continuing North on Taranaki Street. You will need to cross through the intersections of Taranaki and Wakefield Streets and Taranaki and Cable Streets before reaching Circa. Circa Theatre is located on the North side of Cable Street, however the entrance is on the East side of the building, facing Te Papa.

Is there a taxi stand nearby?

There is a taxi circle just off of Cable Street, in front of Te Papa and Circa Theate. If you are taking a taxi to Circa, the driver can drop you off here. Circa is on the left and just a short walk (approximately 57 steps) across a flat, paved area from the taxi stand. Please note, there are knee-high lighting bollards set at intervals along the curb of the taxi circle and concrete barricades in front of the entrance to Circa, about 11 steps before the door, one on either side with approximately 14 steps between them. You can get to the door by going through them or around the one closest to the taxi circle.

If you would like to take a taxi home after a performance at Circa, please just ask the Front of House Manager or one of the staff at Encore, who would be happy to make arrangements for you.

Coat Check

For the comfort of all patrons, the Box Office can look after your wet coat, backpack and umbrella.

Can I bring my baby or toddler to a show?

In consideration of other patrons and performers, babies and/or toddlers are not to be brought into performances – except for pantomimes and children’s shows.

Are there any stairs at the entrance to Circa? Is there a ramp?

No. There is a flat, paved area in front of the main entrance to Circa. There is no a ramp, as there is no need for one. The entrance is ground level without any incline.

How do I get in the door?

The main entrance is located on the East side of the building, facing Te Papa. There are two sets of double doors at the entrance; the outer set are white wood and are usually propped open, the inner set are dark wood with windows in them and can be either left fully closed or with one propped open, depending on the weather. The doors open outward, and therefore need to be pulled open if closed. There is no doorbell or buzzer to push if assistance is needed. However, the doors are in sight of the Box Office, so please feel free to knock and a staff person will come over to assist as needed. If it is just before a show and staff are otherwise occupied, there is often someone around who would be happy to help.

What are the floors like?

The floor in the Circa foyer is covered in a short-pile carpet. The toilets have vinyl flooring, as do the theatre spaces, although there is short-pile carpeting on the stairs and aisles of the seating structures.

Where is the Box Office?

The Box Office is to your right upon entering the Circa foyer through the main entrance, at a 45 degree angle and approximately 10 steps. The counter of the Box Office is 96cms high.

The Box Office is open every day:

Monday: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Tuesday through Saturday: 10.00am – the last show goes in (usually 6.30pm, 7.30pm or 8.00pm)
Sunday: 11.00am – the last show goes in (usually 4.00pm or 4.30pm)

If you have any questions about visiting Circa, the Box Office staff person or Front of House Manager would be happy to assist.

How do I book tickets?

Tickets can be booked on the Circa website, by phone on 04-801-7992, or in person at the Box Office. When booking your ticket, please indicate if you have any seating or other requirements. If booking online, please also contact the Box Office via phone or email – circa@circa.co.nz – to advise of any special requirements. If purchasing online or making a phone booking, your physical ticket/s can be collected from Circa’s Box Office up to 15 minutes before your show starts.

What are Circa One and Circa Two? Where is each located?

Circa Theatre has two performance spaces: Circa One and Circa Two.

Circa One is the larger of the two spaces. Its maximum seating capacity is 224, although the seating configuration can change based on the production. It is located on the left side of the foyer, only 11 steps from the main entrance.

Circa Two is the smaller space, with 100 permanent seats. It is located on the far end of the foyer, directly opposite the main entrance, approximately 33 steps away.

Can I use the phone?

Circa does not have a telephone available for patron use. However, if you have an emergency or need to make arrangements for pick up, please ask the Front of House manager, Box Office staff person, or an bar staff member, and they will be happy to assist you.

Where can I get something to eat or drink?

Circa has a licensed bar and café – the Circa Theatre Café & Bar. Opening hours are currently in sync with show times and orders can be placed at the bar. To make a reservation please call 04 801 7996.